office, and the brethren one.  Here a scene of confusion takes place, which is not easily described.  The newly-installed worshipful is made the butt for every worthy brother to exercise his wit upon.  Half a dozen are up at a time, soliciting the Master to nominate them for Wardens, urging their several claims, and decrying the merits of others with much zeal, others crying out, “Order, Worshipful, keep order!” Others propose to dance, and request the Master to sing for them; others whistle, or sing, or jump about the room; or scuffle, and knock down chairs or benches.  One proposes to call from labor to refreshment; another compliments the Worshipful Master on his dignified appearance, and knocks off his hat, or pulls it down over his face; another informs him that a lady wishes to enter.  If the Master calls to order, every one obeys the signal with the utmost promptness, and drops upon the nearest seat; the next instant, before the Master can utter a word, all are on their feet again and as noisy as ever.  Finally, a nominal election is effected, and some prudent member, tired of such a ridiculous confusion, moves that the Lodge be closed; which, being done, the poor (and if a stranger) much embarrassed candidate, has his big hat taken from him, and is reduced to the ranks; but, for his consolation, the Worshipful Master informs him that the preceding scene, notwithstanding its apparent confusion, is designed to convey to him, in a striking manner, the important lesson, never to solicit or accept any office or station for which he does not know himself amply qualified.

The Lecture on the fifth, or Past Master’s degree, is divided into five sections.  The first section treats of the manner of constituting a Lodge of Master Masons.  The second treats of the ceremony of installation, including the manner of receiving candidates to this degree, as given above.  The third treats of the ceremonies observed at laying the foundation stones of public structures.  The fourth section, of the ceremony observed at the dedications of Masonic halls.  The fifth, of the ceremony observed at funerals, according to ancient custom, with the service used on the occasion.

The foregoing includes all the ceremonies ever used in conferring the degree of Past Master; but the ceremonies are more frequently shortened by the omission of some part of them; the presenting of the “various implements of the profession,” and their explanations, are often dispensed with; and still more often, the charge.

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MOST EXCELLENT MASTER’S DEGREE.

Ceremonies used in opening A lodge of most excellent masters.